FINALS football and Ben Absolum are old acquaintances.

At just 25 years of age, the skilful defender-midfielder has played more finals than most footballers dare dream of.

Six grand final appearances and two preliminary final exits are etched alongside his name, on a resume highlighted by the 2008 Farrer League premiership.

So when he steps onto Langtry Oval today to help East Wagga-Kooringal in the qualifying final, it will be just another game.

But he isn't afraid to admit the nerves of finals football are as clear as ever.

"It never gets any easier," Absolum said.

"You've got to treat it as every other game, try not to get caught up in the fact you're playing a final.

"If you think about it too much you're more likely to get nervous, and then you can spend the whole game worrying you're going to stuff a kick or miss a tackle."

Absolum is among just a handful of EWK players who have experienced a senior grand final.

He crossed to the Hawks from Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka with good mate Marc Geppert this year and the pair have been credited largely for the club's recent success.

They will take on Coleambally today for the chance to go up against Temora in the second semi final next week.

In his eight years playing senior football, Absolum has felt the heartache of losing five grand finals - all with CAK.

During his two years playing in Sydney he was bundled out in the preliminary twice.

He hasn't won a flag in six years and he believes EWK could be the club to break the drought.

"A lot of the guys haven't played in these big finals before so everyone's pretty excited," Absolum said.

"The confidence around the group is pretty good.

"We've had a few boys stepping up over the last few weeks.

"Jacko (Chris Jackson) has had a really good year, and guys like Joe Scott and Nick Baggio have really found their feet."

Young midfielder Baggio took a tagging role on Coleambally speedster Drew Kenna last week and managed to shut down his opponent.

Absolum is backing Baggio to play a big part in the Hawks' finals charge.

Absolum, meantime, is considered by many Farrer League followers as a big chance of winning the best and fairest Gerald Clear Medal.

He has never won an individual medal, but has played 14 of the 16 games for EWK this season and has consistently been among the best.